GERIATRIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND HEARING LOSS

Abstract

Aim - to examine the results of a comprehensive geriatric assessment depending on the degree of hearing loss. Material and methods. We examined 110 patients aged from 60 to 90 years with bilateral symmetrical impairment of the hearing function. The research design included examination of the otolaryngologist, auditory function test, and geriatric assessment of neuropsychological status. Two groups were allocated based upon the study of the hearing function: the main group, which included 58 people with moderate hearing loss, and the control group, which included 52 people with significant hearing loss. Results. It was revealed that hearing loss has a negative influence on the cognitive abilities of geriatric patients. With increasing degrees of hearing loss, the progression of dementia is observed. There is a direct correlation between the progression of hearing loss and development of depression in geriatric patients. Conclusion. Our study revealed a relationship between the degree of hearing loss and neuropsychological changes in geriatric patients. Hearing function test as a part of comprehensive geriatric assessment would facilitate the understanding of the causes of neuropsychological disorders in geriatric patients.

Keywords

• comprehensive geriatric assessment
• hearing loss
• cognitive ability
• psychological state